Choosing a front door color may seem like a simple decision, but it can have a major impact on the look and feel of your home’s exterior. The right color can complement your home’s architecture and style, while also welcoming guests and making the entrance feel warm and inviting. With so many paint colors to pick from, it can be overwhelming to settle on just one hue for your front door.
To help narrow down the options, we’ve compiled a list of 52 of the best front door colors to get your creative juices flowing. From classic black and chic gray to cheerful yellow and vibrant teal, there’s sure to be a shade that’s perfect for your home. Many of these colors look great on their own, while others pair nicely with exterior paint or stonework.
As you browse these front door color ideas, consider the style and era of your home, the color scheme of the surrounding landscape, and even the changing seasons. A color that pops in summer may fade into the background once winter arrives. No matter what direction you take it, choosing a special color for your front door is one of the simplest ways to upgrade curb appeal and add personality to your home’s exterior.
Classic and Neutral Front Door Colors
You can never go wrong with a classic neutral front door color. Timeless shades of black, white, gray, and brown effortlessly complement a variety of home styles. Punch up the entrance with a pop of color on the door hardware or planters.
Black
The ever-popular black front door is a sophisticated choice that pairs well with any color scheme. Black doors look especially striking on Craftsman bungalows and modern farmhouses. For extra contrast, paint the trim white.
Gray
From light dove gray to deeper charcoal shades, gray makes a versatile neutral front door color. For traditional homes, lighter grays evoke a stately vibe. Bold dark gray doors can provide an elegant contrast to red brick or stone exteriors.
White
A white front door always looks crisp and clean. White doors suit almost every home style, from stately traditional designs to contemporary spaces. Accent with black hardware and lanterns for visual drama.
Beige
Warm beige is an understated but welcoming front door color. It coordinates well with tan and cream exteriors. Punch up plain beige with a colorful wreath or bright yellow door.
Taupe
A rich taupe front door brings a modern edge to transitional home styles. Pair taupe with white trim and neutral colored siding for a cohesive, contemporary look.
Cream
Cream is a versatile front door hue that complements traditional and cottage-style homes. Try teaming creamy white doors with exterior paint in deeper beige or taupe tones.
Khaki
Earthy khaki green makes for an unexpected but appealing front door color. It has rustic appeal on a stone or brick house and gives off a beachy vibe on seaside cottages.
Brown
Go for dark chocolate brown or faded bronze on a Craftsman bungalow. For farmhouses, try a weathered wood brown front door with antique-look hardware. Any shade of brown fits in nicely with natural stone and brick.
Vibrant and Bold Front Door Colors
Why blend in when you can stand out? Bright, playful front door colors telegraph a home’s personality from curbside. Vivid tones bring joy to passersby and give guests a colorful welcome.
Red
Nothing says “welcome” like a cherry red front door—this bold color choice has serious curb appeal. Red doors classically complement black shutters and white columns on Georgian homes.
Yellow
Cheery yellow is one of the most inviting front door colors. Sunny shades of yellow complement blue and white exterior color schemes. A bright yellow door on a gray house really pops.
Green
Go for a rich emerald green on a Victorian house or choose minty green for a beachy retreat. Whatever the shade, green makes for a lively and refreshing front door color.
Blue
From light and airy sky blue to dramatic navy, a blue front door never fails to delight and impress. Blue doors look charming against white siding or pops of red brick.
Teal
Gorgeous teal front doors look especially mesmerizing on white homes. Bolder teal shades have a beachy vibe, while muted versions offer a more elegant look.
Purple
Looking to make a statement? A purple front door is a surefire head-turner. Lavender and lilac complement light gray houses, while eggplant purple packs a punch against dark facades.
Pink
Pretty in pink! A blush pink door provides a playful focal point on white or light gray homes. Deeper shades of pink, like fuchsia, make quite the entrance on traditional exteriors.
Orange
Welcome guests with a burst of orange! Rusty terra cotta and peach shades look warm and inviting on Arts and Crafts abodes. Bright tangerine instantly energizes brick buildings.
Trendy and Timely Front Door Colors
Update your home’s exterior with one of these fashionable front door color trends straight from the pages of HGTV and Pinterest. Keep your eye out for these hot hues to spot homes with owners in the know.
Sage Green
Earthy sage green is a soothing and peaceful color that’s trending for front doors. Cool sage pairs well with grays, while darker moody shades complement brick.
Olive Green
Deeper than sage, olive green front doors are very on-trend right now. Black accents play up the sophistication of this rich green on contemporary homes.
Dark Teal
Jewel-toned dark teal makes a dramatic style statement as a front door color. Use it to accentuate brick facades or lighter gray-blue homes.
Ink Blue
Mysterious ink blue doors lend an elegant, formal look to colonial and traditional homes. Especially luxe when matched with bright white trim.
Charcoal Gray
Charcoal fronts make an eye-catching match for white siding. For a modern pairing, try a gray-black door with black trim and metal accents.
Blackened Green
Blackened green offers the best of both worlds: it’s earthy yet edgy. Use it to give a craftsman facade a cool, contemporary twist.
Terracotta
Warm terra cotta is replacing classic red as the bold front door color of choice. Terracotta’s burnt orange hue complements natural materials like wood and stone.
Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow doors make a cheerful statement against gray siding or stone. Deeper golden yellows work on traditional homes, while bright mustard pops on modern spaces.
Brick Red
For an inviting look, go for brick red front doors that mirror the color of the exterior brickwork. Add black or white accents for contrast.
Best Front Door Colors for Specific Home Styles
When selecting your ideal front door color, take into account the architectural style of your house. Some shades naturally complement certain aesthetics better than others.
For Colonial Homes
- Black
- Navy
- Dark Red
- Forest Green
- Yellow
For Craftsman/Bungalow Homes
- Red
- Olive Green
- Brown
- Blue
- Black
For Victorian Homes
- Purple
- Red
- Teal
- Yellow
- Forest Green
For Farmhouse Style Homes
- Red
- Light Blue
- Sage Green
- Black
- White
For Cottage Style Homes
- Light Blue
- Mint Green
- Soft Yellow
- Coral
- Lavender
For Modern Homes
- Charcoal
- Dark Teal
- Black
- Gray
- White
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Front Door Color
Follow this professional advice to select a front door shade that enhances your home’s facade and complements the overall style.
Consider the Architecture
Match the color to the architectural details. For example, an arched doorway calls for a dramatic color, while a simple door may look best in muted, neutral hues.
Test Colors First
Buy sample pots of paint colors you’re considering to test out. Paint swatches directly on the door or a piece of clapboard to see it in real life.
Choose a Contrasting Color
Pick a front door color that contrasts nicely with your siding. Darker doors stand out against light exteriors, while pale doors pop against dark brick.
Complement Nearby Colors
If your home exterior features colorful stone or vibrant flowers out front, echo one of those hues. Tie everything together.
Check Lighting Conditions
See how the color looks at different times of day. Some shades can take on different hues in morning, afternoon or evening light.
Consider the Direction
North-facing doors may look best in warm, inviting tones, while southern exposures can handle deeper, darker shades.
Mind the Seasons
A front door color that pops in the spring could look drab once fall and winter arrive. Take the seasons into account.
Match Interior Style
Your front door hue can complement your interior decorating style and palette while also making an exterior statement.
Stick to One Shade
Paint the front door itself one solid color, adding contrast with colored shutters, potted plants or a decorative wreath.
Use White Trim
White window trim provides the perfect clean, neutral contrast that allows the front door color to really stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front Door Colors
Still unsure about choosing the perfect front door color for your home? This FAQ covers common questions to help you make the best decision.
What is the most popular front door color?
Black and red are typically the most popular front door colors. Black is a timeless, classic choice that works with any style home. Red has enduring appeal for its warm, welcoming effect.
What color front door increases home value?
Homes with black or dark colored front doors generally have higher resale value. Black, navy, dark red, and dark greens are viewed as upscale. Neutral shades like gray also appeal to buyers.
What color should you not paint a front door?
Avoid fluorescent and very bright colors like hot pink or lime green for front doors, as they can look jarring. While personal taste differs, most very light pastels and whites can become dirty and dingy looking.
What color makes a small house look bigger?
Light, bright colors such as light blue, sage green, or light gray can make a small home appear larger. Darker colors tend to have a shrinking effect and can make a compact house feel closed in.
What is the hottest color for 2023?
Viva Magenta is Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year. Pinkish-red magenta will be a hot front door color this year. Dark emerald green is another top pick for 2023, as green continues to grow in popularity.
What color goes well with red brick?
Red brick homes look great with black, white, light blue, olive green, or yellow front doors. Neutral tan and gray also complement the red tones. Use the shade of your brick as a guide.
What color compliments lime green?
Shades of blue make an attractive contrasting pair for a lime green front door. Analogous cool tones like teal and aqua blue work well. Neutrals like white, light gray, tan and beige also offset a bright green door nicely.
What colors make a small space look bigger?
Light, bright, cool colors like pale blue, soft green, and light gray have an expansive effect in small spaces. Darker hues can feel confining. Large patterns and bright colors can also make small rooms feel cluttered.
What is the prettiest color for a house?
Light blue is considered one of the most attractive house colors. Soft gray-blues have widespread appeal. White and light gray schemes also rank among the most popular and prettiest exterior color palettes.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect front door color is one of the best ways to upgrade your home’s curb appeal and give your house a stylish focal point. Whether you favor a classic black door, cheery yellow, or on-trend deep teal, keep the overall style and exterior colors of your home in mind.
The array of options can seem overwhelming at first, but testing out paint swatches and keeping the big picture in mind makes it easier to select your ideal shade. A new coat of colorful paint is an easy way to refresh the exterior and add personality. So go bold or neutral, muted or bright—find the ideal front door color to welcome visitors and give your home an Instagram-worthy entrance.